What I thought was ‘the end’ about the topic of animal abuse and neglect turned out not to be.

I keep thinking each time there is a comment or a specific point gets some good discussion going, that flyballers who read this blog will say that all-encompassing thing that clicks the light on for everyone.

By ‘george’ I think I’ve found it. Did you see it, too?

Bottom line for NAFA flyballers is out there. If you are a flyballer who agrees that animal abuse and neglect related to a flyball event is OK in your interpretation of your world, just sit tight as you are in good hands with NAFA leadership. They have spoken and they have taken action accordingly. Your dog’s ONYX plaque will look good next to the person’s convicted (which, coincidentally, your tourney entries and hostings have/will help pay for.)

On the flip side, if you are not OK with this entire scenario you are the one in charge of your interpretation of your world and you have the capabililty to tell NAFA and to do or say something to change it.

Enough said, I trust.

v/r, Linda

I had not really put these ideas together until just this morning upon seeing the announcement on NAFANews Yahoo that voting has begun.

Before getting to the heart of this post, if you are not a delegate vote holder with the ability to cast a vote, you are still able to communicate your voice directly to NAFA via their website contact link. They may suggest you direct your comments to your Club Owner; however, I believe NAFA still has the obligation to listen to what you have to say as well.

If you are a Club Owner, a Judge, a Regional Director or a Board of Directors member, what do you think about the Rules (i.e., combination of Rules of Racing, Policies and Procedures, By-Laws and NAFA Articles of Incorporation) as they relate to the person convicted of animal abuse & neglect related to a flyball event (as described and discussed in the previous posts on this topic)? Do you plan to become involved and let NAFA know what you think?

Before you answer, have you read the previous posts and previous comments? If you have not yet had the opportunity, I ask that with all due respect for other flyballers and readers of this blog, please be so kind as to take time to read them before responding to this post. I know it will mean a great deal to concerned flyballers all across the country and very much appreciated by the readers of this blog.

In addition, I offer for everyone’s consideration the following request I sent to NAFA leadership yesterday:

To – NAFA Chairman of the Board…, NAFA BoD et. al, NAFA Officers et. al.

Re – Original request and subject (below, dated October 6) and follow-up regarding person convicted of animal abuse and neglect related to a flyball event, their continued participation and/or their dogs’ continued participation at a tournament November 12-13, 2011 in Region 11, Florida.

Date – December 1, 2011

I request the entire NAFA leadership included above review this issue and respond to the author herein as well as the NAFA flyball community as a whole with regard to the subject above; specifically:

1) explain their interpretation of the Rules of Racing, Policies and Procedures, By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation Statement of Purpose (i.e., referred to in combination herein as Rules) that relate to this specific issue including the continued participation at yet another tournament noted above.

< including but not limited to a) the original requested sections outlined below (Chapter 5, Article IV, Article VI) along with Articles of Incorporation 'purpose', b) was the person suspended, c) if so, under what time parameters, d) were the person's dogs included in the suspension, e) if dogs not included, explain why

2) explain their interpretation of NAFA's Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics specifically with reference to Chapter 5, Section 5.1, a-e

3) explain their interpretation of a 'suspension', including their interpretation of 'NAFA benefits and privileges' as they apply to the following statements found in several places in NAFA's Rules:

"…to suspend or place on probation individuals or Clubs from all NAFA benefits and privileges for infraction of NAFAr Rules of Racing or Corporate Policies and Procedures…"

< specifically, but not limited to a) name all the NAFA benefits and privileges that could be suspended, b) what, if any, benefits and privileges were suspended in the above case

As the issue of animal abuse and neglect related to a flyball event is an imporant and integral component to the integrity and good name of all NAFA flyball participants, your timely attention to this request is anticipated and appreciated.

Sincerely,

Most readers of this blog already know my perspective. I believe they would also like to know yours if you are willing and able to share your thoughts.

v/r,
Linda

I thought my previous post(s) regarding the subject of a person convicted of animal abuse and neglect while at a flyball event were hard for me to write, but I take that back.

According to tournament statistics, it appears NAFA has chosen to allow animal abuse and neglect to continue rather than stand up for sound ethical principles. It has chosen to ignore its own published code of conduct regarding responsible dog ownership and humane treatment of our dogs.

In reference to the subject of NAFA Rules, Corporate Policies & Procedures and By-Laws governing the person who was convicted in September, 2011, I received the following official response from NAFA CoB on behalf of the ED and the NAFA Board of Directors (dated October 18, 2011):

“I just wanted to follow up and let you know that our ED has responded to this issue in what I consider to be an appropriate fashion, pursuant to our rules and bylaws. For reasons that would include potential civil litigation, it would be inappropriate to discuss details with anyone other the the party directly involved. Additional and appropriate details, also pursuant to our rules, will be forthcoming in future minutes. Thanks again for your concern, patience, and understanding.”

At the present time, it appears this response was purposefully misleading and a ‘spin’ on the truth. In Florida, on November 12 & 13, 2011, the person convicted of animal abuse and neglect related to a flyball event was allowed to play flyball (yet) again. It could be just the person’s dogs who were allowed to play, but I rather doubt the person was no where around with (at least 4 of) their dogs playing. To me, that part does not matter anyway. What matters is that the person’s name is still listed as the owner/handler and still associated with playing flyball…anyone can put two and two together.

To say the least, I am extremely disappointed in NAFA leadership. I believe they have disgraced everyone who plays NAFA flyball. I believe they ‘chickened out’ by not doing the right thing. I believe they should have more tennis-balls and they should protect the integrity and reputation of our sport.

But, to those who are OK with their fellow flyballers and fellow teammates abusing and neglecting their canine companions, that is something they must choose to live with.

Linda